Following is a list of questions we have been asked over the years.
If you do not find an answer to your specific question, feel free to contact us by email or (800) 395-2099
If you do not find an answer to your specific question, feel free to contact us by email or (800) 395-2099
Q: What is the difference between TSCM and “de-bugging”?
A: TSCM is the professional term applied to the process of inspecting a room or area for the presence of eavesdropping devices, naturally occurring audio paths, and physical security weaknesses by those who have come from the law enforcement or military community. The term “de-bugging” is not considered a professional description of the process. Q: What kind of companies utilize your services? A: We have performed TSCM surveys for a wide variety of companies, government agencies, and high profile individuals. Here are some examples of who we have worked with over the past year: Tech companies, attorneys, defense contractors, medical research labs, entertainment industry, wealth management, police chiefs, mayors and senators. Q: How do you determine the fee for a survey? A: The survey fee is based on the number of rooms to be inspected, the square footage and location. The best way to obtain an accurate quotation is by contacting us. Q: Is there an additional charge for conducting a TSCM survey on weekends or at night? A: No, there is no extra charge for working weekends or most holidays. We typically conduct the TSCM surveys after the close of business, with offsite monitoring during business hours. Q: What are the benefits of regular TSCM surveys? A: By locating, identifying and neutralizing clandestine surveillance devices we can recommend corrections to office equipment which can be exploited for espionage purposes. Regular TSCM surveys help satisfy the obligation to protect confidential information as described in the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 and are a deterrent to future espionage attempts. Shareholders and employees appreciate management’s serious approach to protecting proprietary data or information critical to national security. Not to mention peace of mind; you have taken positive steps toward maintaining your competitive edge. TSCM surveys also serve as an independent security audit. Q: The last time we had our facility inspected it took less than an hour. Why will it take your team several hours to complete the same survey? A: Our surveys are conducted using techniques and procedures developed over many years by government and private TSCM inspectors. Certain procedures simply cannot be completed in a short period of time. The firm that finished the earlier survey in less than an hour could not possibly have performed a full and thorough survey. Q: I believe my adversary is following me. Can you check my car for a tracking device? A: Yes, we do inspect vehicles for tracking devices. |
Q: Can you guarantee that we will be completely free of eavesdropping devices after your survey?
A: No, and any firm that makes that guaranty is not being honest. We are confident that our surveys will detect all eavesdropping devices, but it is impossible to be 100% certain. Additionally, if your security is not sufficiently strong, an eavesdropper might walk in as we are walking out. Q: One of our facilities is located in Chicago. Are you willing to travel to Chicago to do the TSCM survey? A: We have traveled all over the United States as well as to the Middle East and Europe to conduct surveys. We are certainly willing to travel, but we are also happy to recommend trusted colleagues in the area. We belong to the Espionage Research Institute (ERI) which is an organization of the top TSCM personnel in the world. We are confident to refer surveys to our ERI colleagues. Q: After you inspect the facility, is there any device we can install that will sound an alarm if a “bug” is planted later? A: The simple answer is, no. There are several types of eavesdropping device, many of which do not produce anything that can be measured by an instrument. There is nothing, for example, that would detect a tape recorder being brought into an office. Additionally, there is no instrument that will detect the security weaknesses we always discover. Q: I believe my car may be bugged. Is that possible? A: It is certainly possible, but not likely. Generally speaking it is difficult to install an effective eavesdropping device in a car unless the adversary has adequate time. The ambient noise inside most moving vehicles makes putting a tape or digital recorder under the seat, in a seat or door pocket, or in the glove box ineffective. We frequently inspect vehicles for tracking devices if there is strong suspicion that conversations taking place in the vehicle were intercepted. |
Private individuals need to know that we are not equipped to inspect for electronic harassment devices or human implanted chips and are unable to assist with those cases in any manner.